Call Bank of America to request the closure

The fastest way to close a Bank of America credit card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will confirm your identity, review your account balance, and process the closure request on the same call. The card is typically closed within one to three business days after you hang up.

Before you call, make sure your account balance is paid in full. Bank of America will not close an account with an outstanding balance. If you have a balance, you can still request closure, but the account will remain open until you pay what you owe.

You can also close the card through your online Bank of America account by navigating to the card settings, though phone closure is more direct and gives you when ready confirmation. If you close online, follow up with a call to verify the request went through.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your card to close it; the representative will process the request when ready and confirm closure within one to three business days.
  • Your account balance must be paid in full before closure, though you can request closure even if you carry a balance — the account straightforward stays open until you pay it off.
  • Closing a card may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit and can raise your credit utilization ratio on other cards.
  • After closure, keep your final statement and any documentation of the closed account for your records, as disputes or fraud claims may still arise on that card.

Pay your balance before calling

Bank of America will not close a credit card account that carries a balance. If you have an outstanding amount, you must pay it in full first. You can do this online through your Bank of America account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch.

If you have a promotional 0% APR offer still active on your card, closing the account will end that promotion when ready. Any remaining balance will be subject to the regular purchase APR, which can be 15% to 25% depending on your creditworthiness. Pay off the balance before closure to avoid this.

Understand the credit score impact

Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term. This happens for two reasons: your total available credit decreases, and your credit utilization ratio on your remaining cards may increase. If you have a $5,000 balance spread across two cards with $10,000 limits each, your utilization is 25%. Close one card, and that same $5,000 is now spread across one card with a $10,000 limit, raising your utilization to 50%.

The impact is usually temporary — most people see their score recover within three to six months. However, if you are planning to explore for a mortgage, auto loan, or another form of credit in the near future, closing a card right before that process could work against you.

If you want to reduce your credit card use without closing the account, you can straightforward stop using the card and let it sit inactive. Bank of America may eventually close inactive accounts on their own, but this gives you more control over timing.

What happens after closure

Once your Bank of America credit card is closed, you cannot use it for new purchases. Any recurring charges tied to that card — subscriptions, automatic bill payments, gym memberships — will be declined. Before you close the card, update those payment methods with a different card or bank account.

Your closed account will remain on your credit report for up to seven years. This is normal and actually helpful: the account history contributes to your credit score, and a long history of on-time payments helps your score even after closure. Do not be alarmed if you see the closed account listed on your credit report.

Bank of America will send you a final statement showing the account is closed. Keep this for your records. If a fraudulent charge appears on the card after closure, you can still dispute it, so documentation matters.

Cancel related services and rewards

If your Bank of America card carries an annual fee, that fee will stop once the account is closed. If you have not yet paid the current year's fee, closing the card does not refund it — you will owe it unless you close within the grace period (usually 30 days of the fee posting).

Any unused rewards points or cash back on the card will be forfeited upon closure. Bank of America does not transfer rewards to another card or pay them out in cash when you close. Redeem all rewards before you call to close the account.

If you have a Bank of America checking account linked to your credit card for overdraft protection or other features, closing the credit card does not affect the checking account. The two remain separate.

Alternatives to closing the card

If your main reason for closing is to reduce temptation to spend, consider keeping the card open but inactive instead. This preserves your available credit, keeps your credit utilization lower, and maintains your account history — all of which help your credit score.

If you are closing because of an annual fee, call Bank of America and ask for a fee waiver before you close. Representatives sometimes waive or reduce annual fees for customers who threaten to close, especially if you have a long account history or other products with the bank.

If you are unhappy with the card's rewards rate or benefits, you can request a product change to a different Bank of America card instead of closing. This keeps the account open and preserves your credit history while moving you to a card that better fits your spending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Bank of America credit card after I close it?

Bank of America may allow you to reopen a recently closed card if you contact them within 30 to 60 days, though this is not may provide. After that window, the account is typically permanent closed. If you think you might want the card back, wait a few weeks before closing to make sure.

Will closing my card hurt my credit score?

Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop 5 to 50 points depending on how much available credit you lose and how high your utilization becomes on other cards. Most people see recovery within three to six months. The long-term impact is minimal if you keep other accounts in good standing.

What if I have a balance I cannot pay right now?

You can still request closure, but Bank of America will keep the account open until the balance is paid. You will continue to receive statements and pay interest on the remaining balance. Pay down the balance as quickly as you can, then call to confirm closure once it hits zero.

Do I need to destroy my physical card after closing?

It is a good idea to cut up or shred the card so it cannot be used, but it is not required. Once the account is closed, the card will be declined if anyone tries to use it. Destroying it straightforward removes the temptation and reduces the risk if the card is lost or stolen.

Will closing affect my other Bank of America accounts?

No. Closing a credit card does not affect your checking account, savings account, or any other Bank of America products. Your accounts are separate, and closing one has no impact on the others.